Susan Marie Sponheimer
Susan Marie Sponheimer, a 65 year old lifelong Derby resident, passed away at St. Raphael's Hospital in New Haven on October 12, 2020. Born March 29, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Carolyn (O'Connell) Sponheimer of Woodbridge, CT. A graduate of St. Mary's High School in New Haven, Susan received her B.A. degree from Boston College. In addition, she earned an M.S.W. in family therapy from Florida State University and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration from National Lewis University in Chicago.
Susan's professional career was devoted to early childhood education and Head Start. At the time of her death, she was the Program and Governance Manager for the National Center for Program Management and Fiscal Operations, UMASS Donohue Institute in Amherst, MA. Previously, she served as the Early Childhood Specialist and the Connecticut State Manager Region I Head Start T/TA Network. With her credentials and national reputation in early childhood education and Head Start, Susan directed workshops throughout the country and testified before the CT State Legislature.
Before working on the federal level, Susan was the COO for the Childcare Learning Centers in Stamford, CT, where she oversaw the management of the Head Start/Early Head Start program, the state-funded childcare program, and the school readiness program. Before that, she was the Director of Child Services (including Head Start) for TEAM in Derby.
Susan is survived by her brother Atty. John (MaryAnn) Sponheimer of Orange, CT, and her sister Ellen (Thomas) Kasulis of Columbus, OH. She is also survived by her six beloved nephews: Atty. Telemachus (Atty. Jacquelyn) Kasulis, Brian (Carrie) Sponheimer, Matthias (Colleen) Kasulis, Benedict (Sandra Rocha) Kasulis, Atty. Brendan (Atty. Kelly) Sponheimer, and Atty. Matthew Sponheimer (girlfriend Jessica Boris). In addition to her many other family and friends, she especially treasured her nine adoring great-nieces and great-nephews: Patrick and Charlie Sponheimer, and Maya, Anna, Ewan, Alexandra, James, and Eva Kasulis, and Gabriella Lewandowski.
Funeral services will be on Monday, October 19, at 11 a.m.(directly) at St. Mary's Church in Derby. Burial to follow at Mt. St. Peter's Cemetery in Derby. Please respect all social distancing guidelines and wear a mask. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan's memory may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923; or directly to their website. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St., Ansonia, CT has been privileged with the arrangements. (www.jenkinskingfh.com)

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Published by Stamford Advocate on Oct. 14, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Sponheimer

Sponsored by Jenkins-King Funeral Home.

12 Entries

Ron Speranzini

October 21, 2020

Dear John, MaryAnn & Family,
We are so sorry to read about the passing of your sister Susan and just want to extend our condolences to the both of you and your entire family.
No matter what the circumstances are the passing of a loved one is very hard to accept so please know that we are thinking of you at this time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Ron & Tina Speranzini

Michele Adams and ECQA Center

October 20, 2020

We are saddened to hear of Susan's passing. May your memories give you peace and comfort at this sad time. Please accept our deepest sympathy from the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance.

Nancy Rosa

October 18, 2020

How sad I am to read about Susan's passing in the New Haven Register today. She was too young, too vibrant, and had so much to contribute to our world. I was hired by Susan in 1996 when she was putting together a team of professionals to resuscitate a failing Head Start program for TEAM, Inc. I must say it was one of my favorite positions as a RN to work with Susan. Totally committed, she and her dad used to climb up the attic of an old Derby elementary school, to put plastic down on the attic floor when it rained, so that the ceilings wouldn't leak into the classrooms. Totally honest, she negotiated with teachers and staff for better pay and working conditions. Totally tireless, Susan led us through the process of moving the old Derby school to the new Head Start Center in Ansonia, site of the former Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School, without missing any school days for the children. ( Yes, we moved a school. ) She believed in the foundations of school readiness, ie health and parent involvement. She spearheaded many events to encourage families to be an integral part of their child's education. We had field trips, monthly parent dinners with workshops and babysitting, health fairs, that included participation from local doctors, dentists, and clinics. The TEAM, Inc Head Start Program went from a failing program to an award winning one under Susan Sponheimer. It wasn't work at all - - - It was fun. Throughout it, Susan talked about her family, how much she loved and respected her dad, missed her mother. She couldn't say football without mentioning her brother's name. She so looked forward to her sister's visits: " I'm going to hang out with my big sister, Ellen. " when the family got together for holidays. Like everyone who knew Susan, my life is richer, to have known this woman of extraordinary integrity, vision, and an Irish sense of humor.

Nick Rizzio

October 17, 2020

My condolences to John + my former classmate Ellen (class of 62 St. Marys) I send my prayers. May she R.I.P.

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Ann Dunn

October 17, 2020

Dear John, Ellen & Family, please know we are all sending you our love and prayers. Sue was our memory when trying to remember an incident. She was the voice of reason when asked her opinion regarding a trying situation. She was the best friend to all of us, always upbeat, always caring about us and our families, and sharing her love of family with all of us. We loved hearing her share what was happening with her nephews, and their children, and watching the pictures as they grew. She was the ultimate entertainer, welcoming us and our children for Memorial Day, 4th of July, New Years, and many dinners and picnics in between. She was the Godmother to many, always remembering their and our special days and accomplishments. She loved hearing about our experiences and accomplishments, and was open and shared what was going on with her and her family. I will miss the long talks about everything and anything, and just being together. I couldn't have asked for a better Best Friend. Love you and will miss you always. God bless.

Gail Bombace Villani

October 16, 2020

My condolences to Susan's family. I remember her from St Mary's class of 1973,She always had a smile on her face and was a hard worker always eager to pitch in and help. Again my prayers for the family during this time, God Bless.

Donna Veatch

October 16, 2020

Sending my deepest sympathy to Susan's family. Susan was such an inspiration to everyone who knew her. As a PMFO colleague, I had the privilege of working alongside her for the past five years. She was an amazing person. So dedicated to her profession and family. Her face would always "light up" when she mentioned getting to go to see members of her family during the holidays. She will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.
Sincerely,
Donna Veatch

October 16, 2020

Dear John, Ellen and Families,

I was very saddened to hear about Susan's passing.
Remember growing up together in the Derby neighborhood and Susan
was always so nice, funny and always had a smile on her face.
Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time.

God Bless,
Kim (O'Brien) Marchitto

Margo Sandahl

October 15, 2020

I worked with Susan at CLC in Stamford. She always had children and their families at the forefront of her decisions. She was a hard working and dedicated professional! I am sorry to hear of your loss. With Sympathy

Donna Carrano

October 15, 2020

Susan was one in a million. She was intelligent, altruistic, hard working, and modest. It was always a pleasure to see her, quick to smile when it was obvious she didn’t feel well. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
Donna Spadory Carrano

Jacqueline K Dunn

October 15, 2020

I am so sorry for your whole family. She did wonderful things for children! Jackie Kingsley Dunn

Joyce Barcley

October 14, 2020

To Sue’s family: I did not know her well. What I knew (and anyone meeting her knew) was her dedication to helping families. She was a lovely woman, inside and out. My heartfelt sympathy for your loss.

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